A yearning for adventure found it’s calling. Read about Arunav’s incredible high-flying, rip-roaring, wave-smashing friends trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling. Their trip cost them a total of INR 44,000 and included their transfers, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers, and breakfast.

While planning my trip to Sikkim, I was unsure of how to get an itinerary that would include everything I wanted in 4 days! And so during my search, I landed on the TravelTriangle Facebook page where I saw the feature of customized itineraries for travelers. I submitted a query on their website and got a call from their travel representative.

Rakesh from TravelTriangle understood my requirements and guided me through the process of booking. He connected me to various travel agents providing multiple offers for the Sikkim trip I requested for. I selected the best package given to me by ‘Himalayan Travels’ agency.

An opportunity to travel with like-minded friends is something that got me excited for this trip. I’ve always sought adventure in my travels, and I couldn’t wait to start exploring Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Day 1: Bouncing over whitewater rapids in Teesta

Our journey with TravelTriangle started from Siliguri as all of us had arrived from Bhubaneshwar the night before. The cab driver assigned to us was present at 8 am to take us to Gangtok. On our way to Gangtok, we stopped by Teesta River Rafting Camp to do some white water rafting.

The experience of rafting in Teesta was unforgettable. It was scary, challenging, and yet so much fun to do. As our raft pierced through the rapids, it took every single ounce of energy out of all of the people in the raft to make sure that we didn’t capsize. We felt proud in completing that challenging course of rafting without any wobble.

After rafting, we were as hungry as wild bears. So we proceeded to have lunch and then move on to Gangtok. We checked into the hotel in Gangtok at 4 pm. After resting for a few hours, we decided to explore the sights and sounds of MG Road Market for the evening. Post dinner, we proceeded back to the hotel at 9 pm and called it a night.

Day 2: Peeking into China

After an early breakfast, we got ready for our next adventure. The driver was present at 8 am to take us to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. We were lucky considering the fact that, only a small amount of people get a chance to visit this place due to harsh weather and military permitting.

On our way to Nathula Pass, we stopped for a while at the Tsomgo Lake. The view of the lake was very scenic and pristine, as it was nestled high among the mountains, almost hidden from most of the inhabited places. Later, we arrived at Nathula Pass around noon.

Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to Tibet which gives people a view of China from the mountain pass. At 14,000ft, it’s a tough place to visit let alone guard as the Indian and Chinese military do. Around 3 pm, we started our journey back to Gangtok. In the evening, we decided to rest at the hotel as we had an early start to the next day.

Day 3: Soaring in Kalimpong

The next morning, after breakfast, we checked out of the hotel in Gangtok and headed for Kalimpong. We arrived at the paragliding spot at 11 am. Just as we thought this trip couldn’t get any crazier, we raised the bar! And this time we set it searingly high!

It was a wonderful experience soaring in clouds, as I got a stunning view of the entire Kalimpong valley area while gliding off the mountains. The triad of adventure sports had been completed in style- water, land and now air. After the thrill of paragliding, we went for some sightseeing in Kalimpong.

We started by visiting the Divine temple of Mangal Dham followed by Deolo Hills and Golf Gardens. Kalimpong looked like a nice weekend getaway from all the rush and hustle of city life in cities in the Eastern reaches of India. Around 5 pm, we proceeded to Darjeeling and checked into the hotel for the night.

Day 4: Catching the sunrise at Tiger Hill

The next day, we woke up at 3 am and got ready to watch the sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga. The driver was present to take us at 3.30 am and we reached Tiger Hill at 5 am. It was a majestic sunrise over the snow-laden Himalayan peaks which ushered in the new day in such a beautiful manner.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped by the serene Ghoom monastery. Post breakfast, we got ready for sightseeing in Darjeeling. First up, we visited the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute followed by seeing the famous Tea Gardens of Darjeeling. After lunch, we visited the Japanese Temple and took a ride in the Darjeeling Ropeway.

The tour got over at 5 pm, after which we asked the driver to drop us at the local market where we would do some shopping, have dinner and eventually return to the hotel at 9 pm.

Day 5: Exploring Mirik Lake

The next morning, we had a quick breakfast checked out of the hotel in Darjeeling and departed for Siliguri. On our way, we stopped by at the quaint and charming Lake Mirik. The picturesque lake is located in the outskirts of Darjeeling district and almost an unspoiled wonder nestled in pine forest trees. Post lunch, we carried on with our journey and arrived in Siliguri around 5 pm.

A quiet way to end a trip with friends that was extremely high on adrenaline. Having traveled all around Orissa on my motorbike all the years, I’ve never had so much adventure in such a short span of time.

High Points:

Paragliding in Kalimpong was quite the thrill for an already adventurous trip.

Low Points:

Hotel in Darjeeling wasn’t up to the mark with its service and room quality.